The sleight-of-foot midfielder edged a hot field after heaping humiliation on Victory’s Leigh Broxham in the Melbourne derby.

We broke the good news to the Brazilian who found it difficult to contain his excitement:

“The what? I wish I was leading on the scored goals but this is okay," he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

Maybe he was just feeling sympathy for his former teammate who he so soundly Panna’d in front of a record 42,000 people in the season opener.

Three times in the opening half Fred slipped the ball between Broxy’s legs and retrieved it on the other side in what was variously described as a ruthless, clinical and mildly amusing display of Pannability.

At least Fred had the decency to sound contrite: “Yeah it was all on the same guy. I was sorry for him – I wish it was a different guy.”

Hmmm right. We only wish we had a Panna for every footballer that ever said that. Let’s face it; this is the go-to move when the indignity of a nutmeg simply isn’t enough.

So what drives a Panna pro like Fred?

“Yeah – it’s funny. I like it you know. I think it is a good way to get over your opponent.

“It’s part of the game and sometimes if you have the option to do it you have to do it. Sometimes it’s not necessary but I think it is a very good dribble during the game.”

That’s right – just for the hell of it. And that’s exactly our motivation for joining forces with the newly formed sport of Panna Football to find the ultimate practitioner of the dark art.

It’s early days yet and Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC), Marcos Flores (Victory) and Liam Miller (Perth Glory) are in hot pursuit of the crown.

Each A League game will be monitored by the FourFourTwo crew, Panna Reps and the fans, with points awarded for the following:

1 point for a straight Panna

2 points for a Ground Trick, followed by a Panna

3 points for a Ground Trick, followed by Panna, followed by a goal

The professional player with the most points gained during the season will be presented with the award.

Expect plenty of dressing room banter between the Panna’d and the Pannas as they go in search of an answer to the eternal question – are some players more Pannable than others? We can hardly wait for the movie!

And if you’re still confused about what a Panna is  click here to check this clip from a Victory v Jets clash.

 

WEEK ONE LEADERBOARD

FRED (Melbourne Heart) - 3 points

ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO (Sydney FC) - 2 points

MARCOS FLORES (Melbourne Victory) - 1 point

LIAM MILLER (Perth Glory) - 1 point

 

More info at  http://au.fourfourtwo.com/page/442pannaking.aspx and on Twitter #442pannaking